NFL Week 8 grades from across the league

Yes, the Packers are receiver-deficient. The people that criticized them for not doing sufficient to exchange Davante Adams have been proper. But Green Bay can’t maintain seeing its first-rounder-laden protection underperform. Josh Allen did what he needed within the first half, discovering Stefon Diggs for chunk performs and main the Bills to a 24-7 lead. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has much more to work with than Mike Pettine did; Green Bay (3-5) has each drafted and spent to fortify this protection. The unit, which couldn’t comprise Daniel Jones or Taylor Heinicke late, left a shorthanded offense making an attempt to make use of the run recreation to erase the deficit. After three straight 13-win seasons, the Packers have slunk to an inexcusable place.

PACKERS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: at Lions (Sun.)

Aaron Jones continued to search out open house, however the Packers operating the ball repeatedly down two touchdowns was bizarre sufficient Von Miller was asking questions . The Bills (6-1) didn’t let Allen’s second-half slowdown have an effect on a one-sided win. Their entrance seven created sufficient havoc to persuade Matt LaFleur to maintain turning to the run recreation. Greg Rousseau (5 sacks) has already surpassed his rookie-year complete, with Miller — whose bulldozing of Yosh Nijman led to a vital fourth-down run cease — persevering with to show price his newest big-ticket deal. Jordan Poyer’s harm considerations, with Micah Hyde already out of the image. The Bills are on a uncommon stage nonetheless; they want the playoffs to rush up and start.

BILLS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at Jets (Sun.)

The Rams provided practically what the 49ers did for Christian McCaffrey; San Francisco didn’t let its prime rival neglect which group landed him. The 49ers (4-4) have each buried the Rams with and with out McCaffrey this season, however Sunday showcased beforehand unseen capabilities. Turning CMC (149 scrimmage yards; it felt like 250) free to some extent, he grew to become the fourth post-merger participant to run, catch and move for a landing in a recreation, the 49ers appeared like a distinct group from the one which used a more healthy protection to smother the Rams a month in the past. While the McCaffrey harm danger hovered over his 26-touch day, his guaranteeing a 49ers rivalry sweep — in a Deebo Samuel-less recreation — makes them the NFC West’s scariest group. 

49ERS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: vs. Chargers (Nov. 13)

The Rams have misplaced eight straight to the 49ers — within the common season, in fact. The defending champions (3-4) stay unable to maintain non-Cooper Kupp-generated offense. Los Angeles’ McCaffrey push made extra sense Sunday, with Sean McVay’s backfield combining for 45 speeding yards. A reconciliation with a post-Achilles-tear Cam Akers doubtless won’t assist a lot, and of the group’s O-line accidents, solely left guard David Edwards can come again to help. A perennially all-in group enduring a down yr is untenable. The Lions personal the Rams’ 2023 first-round decide, and Kupp will be part of Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford in his 30s subsequent season. Odell Beckham Jr.’s December timeline not works. Can trade-deadline artillery save the Rams?

RAMS GRADE: D-minus | NEXT: vs. Cardinals (Sun.)

While Richie James’ two punt-return fumbles prevented the Giants from performing their hang-around-and-strike routine, the Seahawks made chain motion powerful all through. The Giants (6-2) relied on offseason castoff Darius Slayton to return by way of. That and Tyler Lockett’s miscue close to Seattle’s purpose line powered a New York outfit that would not shield Daniel Jones. The Seahawks preyed on Giants backup proper deal with Tyre Phillips throughout a five-sack outing — on a day through which Saquon Barkley (20 carries, 53 yards) averaged 2.7 yards per tote. Big Blue is down two O-line starters (left guard Ben Bredeson, proper deal with Evan Neal); it confirmed. Still, the Giants are in glorious form in comparison with preseason expectations.

GIANTS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Texans (Nov 13.)

Can Geno Smith win Comeback Player of the Year if no prior high quality seasons are on his resume? Tommy Maddox did so 20 years in the past, placing it very a lot in play. Smith didn’t drop a monster statistical recreation (212 yards, two TD passes), however he stopped the Giants’ October surge by trusting Russell Wilson’s longtime go-to man. Lockett each fumbled at his personal 3-yard line and later dropped a surefire TD, however his double transfer on Adoree’ Jackson gave the Seahawks a fourth-quarter lead in what had been a defensive duel. While Lockett has by no means made a Pro Bowl as a receiver, he helped Wilson’s Hall of Fame-level ascent and is using a streak of three straight 1,000-yard slates. On tempo for a fourth, Lockett is a giant piece of this beautiful Smith season.

SEAHAWKS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at Cardinals (Sun.)

On a day through which the Steelers didn’t match up with their in-state foes in nearly any space, their secondary was notably outclassed. Hurts’ 4 landing passes all beat the Steelers deep, with Next Gen Stats indicating no group has scored on as many go routes in a recreation in 5 years. A.J. Brown beat Ahkello Witherspoon for 2 of his three scores, however security Terrell Edmunds being fooled on Zach Pascal’s simple TD appeared worse. The Eagles and Bills uncovered a Steelers secondary that options Minkah Fitzpatrick and a number of low-cost veterans. The Steelers haven’t any ex-first- or second-round picks or a $5 million-per-year participant at nook. It confirmed Sunday, rendering the prospect of a Hurts-Kenny Pickett duel unattainable.

STEELERS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Saints (Sun.)

A.J. Brown did essentially the most to spoil a aggressive Pennsylvania matchup, notching his first three-touchdown recreation and his second 150-yard outing of the season. The Eagles’ Brown acquisition has enabled one other Hurts leap, and it’s nonetheless a tricky search for the Titans, who haven’t come near changing him. Setting the extension marketplace for the proficient 2019 receiver class, the Eagles prying Brown from a Titans group squeamish concerning the new receiver going charge stopped Philly — after Jalen Reagor and JJ Arcega-Whiteside misses — from taking one other massive draft swing. Brown (658 yards) is on tempo for by far his finest season — on an Eagles group (7-0) with no obvious weak point.

EAGLES GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: at Texans (Thu.)

With New England’s offense removed from the place it must be to intention for a playoff spot, Belichick’s protection took intention at one of many convention’s different wild-card contenders. The Patriots (4-4) carried out their regular methods in opposition to the Jets, this one purportedly a superior iteration in comparison with different Jet squads through the Pats’ 13-game rivalry win streak. The longest-tenured Belichick defender — Devin McCourty — intercepted Zach Wilson twice. This course of didn’t play out because the NFL hoped, with Belichick passing Halas in opposition to the Jets and never the Chicago icon’s group, however the recreation circulation jogged my memory of so many Belichick video games in opposition to his former employer. The ex-Browns coach and Jets DC’s 325 wins are 22 away from Don Shula’s file. That will doubtless be a mid-2020s storyline.

PATRIOTS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Colts (Sun.)

The Jets (5-3) sacked Mac Jones six instances and held the Patriots to 1 landing, however after Zach Wilson’s alarming Denver outing, anticipating an excessive amount of from the erratic quarterback in opposition to Belichick was silly. Depending in your requirements, the previous No. 2 general decide threw both two or three horrible INTs. No. 3, a fling into site visitors that led to McCourty’s arms, was notably regarding. The Jets’ four-game win streak got here with out a lot from Wilson (and, inexcusably, with out inexperienced pants or inexperienced jerseys ; we clearly have two crises engulfing this group). Wilson continues to be growing, however the Jets’ different roster enhancements put Robert Saleh to a call. The second-year QB is holding the group again.

JETS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Bills (Sun.)

When the NFL carried out the rule that Sunday proved expensive for the Panthers, post-touchdown infractions didn’t create 48-yard PATs. NFL kickers clearly could make such kicks, however insisting such a attempt happen as a result of one participant eliminated his helmet in celebration is overkill. Moore’s gaffe — which got here shortly after his drive-killing drop — didn’t immediately result in a loss, a la Dwayne Rudd in 2002 , however the punishment didn’t match the crime. Enforce this on the kickoff. The penalty marred the top to a shootout and led to P.J. Walker’s heave — 67.6 air yards, the longest within the Next Gen Stats period — becoming a member of the 2003 Saints’ “River City Relay” play (additionally minimized by a PAT miss) in what-if NFL lore. 

PANTHERS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Bengals (Sun.)

Denied an opportunity to take the NFC South lead in Tampa, the Falcons zoomed again to this spot due to Moore and Eddy Pineiro, sure. But some minimum-salary playmakers lifted Atlanta (4-4) as nicely. The Falcons have one thing in Caleb Huntley, an undrafted Ball State product not too long ago on the follow squad, and journeyman Damiere Byrd delivered maybe his signature NFL sequence Sunday. The explosive Huntley reached 91 speeding yards, whereas Byrd’s 47-yard catch-and-run TD actually confirmed why groups maintain shopping for low on the seventh-year wideout. The Falcons made no secret of their rebuild plan, with Matt Ryan and Deion Jones accounting for many of the group’s NFL-high $78 million in useless cash. But do they should circle round to being patrons on the commerce deadline?

FALCONS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Chargers (Sun.)

At this charge, Carson Wentz will not be reclaiming his job. McLaurin, who has seen an harm power a Taylor Heinicke pairing for a second straight yr, helps change the equation for the Commanders. Playing in his hometown Indianapolis for the primary time as a professional, McLaurin led a rescue effort that completed off a two-score comeback within the ultimate 5 minutes. McLaurin’s 113-yard recreation included a 42-yard catch-and-run previous ace Colts slot man Kenny Moore and a 50-50 seize over former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. Heinicke main an 89-yard march to KO, the Colts moved the Commanders to 4-4 and again within the combine in a jumbled NFC.

COMMANDERS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Vikings (Sun.)

Armed with a franchise QB and an elite draft class, the 2018 Colts far exceeded expectations. They appeared like a perennial contender within the making. Three years after Luck’s seminal retirement, that Pro Bowler-fueled nucleus is at a crossroads. Frank Reich’s group has trotted out higher-profile QBs in comparison with Washington’s post-Alex Smith lot, however the alternate actuality through which an early-30s Luck leads the Colts (3-4-1) has tormented Reich and GM Chris Ballard’s tenures. Sam Ehlinger provided a bit greater than Matt Ryan, as a Wentz-Ryan matchup (the presumed motive this recreation obtained a late-afternoon slot) grew to become Heinicke-Ehlinger. But the first-time starter additionally misplaced a fumble. It is beginning to appear like Luck’s determination might be unattainable for the Ballard-Reich regime to beat.

COLTS GRADE: D | NEXT: at Patriots (Sun.)

The Raiders’ 1-4 begin prevents them from submitting efforts like this. The AFC has produced some disappointments, which saved the intriguing Raiders a possible late-blooming playoff group. Josh McDaniels’ squad could have lower off entry to that path Sunday. In their first shutout loss since 2014, the Raiders (2-5) noticed an offense that had gouged three straight opponents — together with the Chiefs — faceplant. The Saints stalled Josh Jacobs’ contract-year climb, held Davante Adams to 3 receiving yards — regardless of lacking Marshon Lattimore once more — and bullied an overachieving Raiders O-line. Yeah, the much-hyped AFC West is wanting just like the fields Patrick Mahomes beforehand conquered.

RAIDERS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Jaguars (Sun.)

Although operating again is among the NFL’s extra replaceable positions, the Saints do not need a lot to financial institution on past Kamara. And his newest dominant efficiency has New Orleans (3-5) within the thick of an uninspiring NFC South race. Totaling 156 scrimmage yards and three TDs — two of them by way of the air, reminding of why Kamara issues greater than most backs — the five-time Pro Bowler carried a Saints offense that has modified QBs and continues to be lacking Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry. The Saints have veterans flooding each traces and the secondary. Moving Kamara — whom the Bills referred to as about — throughout his age-27 season would make much less sense than a youthful Panthers group dealing McCaffrey. 

SAINTS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: vs. Ravens (Mon.)

Becoming a fast savior for “over” bettors, the Bears’ protection couldn’t comprise Dak Prescott or Tony Pollard. Chicago (3-5) allowed Dallas to transform third downs (9-for-11) at an 82% clip — its worst mark in additional than 30 years — and it hit Prescott simply twice. After an impressed effort delayed Bill Belichick’s pursuit of George Halas, the Bears have been proper to commerce Robert Quinn. They will not be a contender. But the Cowboys operating this wild was nonetheless sudden. Hopefully, the all-oranges going 0-2 this season doesn’t ship them completely into the closet.

BEARS GRADE: D-minus | NEXT: vs. Dolphins (Sun.)

As Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, and D’Onta Foreman ran wild, the Cowboys noticed their backup simply mow down the Bears. Ezekiel Elliott’s backup has been a flashier choice for a lot of his time in Dallas, and the fourth-year again’s 131-yard speeding day (9.4 per handoff) each showcased the worth the Cowboys obtain from a former fourth-round decide and current a looming determination. Jerry Jones doubled down on Elliott’s worth postgame, however Pollard is ready to hitch a stacked free company operating again contingent. The Cowboys (6-2) might be sensible to lock down their 1-B again, however except they transfer on from Elliott — an costly 2023 activity — authorizing one other massive backfield deal might be difficult.

COWBOYS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Packers (Nov. 13)

While DeAndre Hopkins stuffed up the field rating in his second recreation again, the Cardinals couldn’t replicate their finest offensive outing every week after their All-Pro receiver’s debut. More disorganization, resulting in burned timeouts, plagued the slow-starting Cards (3-5). And Arizona’s comeback try epitomized the debris-filled roads this group retains touring. Kyler Murray INTs sandwiched Greg Dortch’s punt-return blunder in a three-turnover second half, and a Cardinals game-tying drive try — solely in play due to Greg Joseph’s PAT miss — noticed two sacks derail it from turning into a risk. Average groups flood the NFC, making it too early to jot down the Cards off. But they’re typically a tricky watch.

CARDINALS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Seahawks (Sun.)

While the 2015 Falcons would love a say on this debate, the Vikings are in rivalry for the least-discussed 6-1 group in fashionable NFL historical past. Kirk Cousins has not been statistically dominant, and he bombed in one other nationwide TV showcase. But the Vikes have stabilized their operation because the Philly letdown. Still smarting from his Arizona departure, Patrick Peterson got here by way of with three move breakups — together with an finish zone swat — and Za’Darius Smith’s three sacks upped his season complete to eight.5 (tied with Matt Judon atop the league). Top 10 in neither complete offense nor protection, the Vikings don’t ooze Super Bowl enchantment. But they’re doubtless profitable the NFC North. It could be time to begin paying consideration.

VIKINGS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at Commanders (Sun.)

Ryan Tannehill’s unavailability pressured the Titans to begin a passer the Texans quickly knew couldn’t harm them downfield. Malik Willis confirmed his uncooked prospect profile, throwing for 55 yards and an INT in Houston. Derrick Henry put aerial considerations on the again burner, carrying the Titans (5-2) with 219 speeding yards on 32 totes. He now has an NFL-record six 200-yard, two-TD video games. Henry’s 4 such showings against the Texans alone would rank second all-time alongside Jim Brown. The Titans are extracting all the things they’ll from Henry, whose workload (NFL-high 166 carries) warns of bother forward. But A.J. Brown’s exit and accidents to present cogs are limiting their passing recreation. Tennessee will want Tannehill subsequent week.

TITANS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Chiefs (Sun.)

As Deshaun Watson’s suspension continues to tank the Browns’ file, the Texans are poised to be in robust place within the 2023 draft. They could find yourself with two top-10 picks. One of them will certainly be their very own choice. Houston stacked the field however couldn’t compete with a Henry-dependent Titans group. And, after Davis Mills practically spoiled the 2021 Titans’ No. 1 seed hopes in Week 18 final season, the Texans amassed 51 yards of their first 11 drives. There will not be a lot price saying concerning the Texans (1-5-1) at this level. With Mills wanting doubtless to present technique to a greater QB prospect subsequent yr, that is set as much as be one of many longest-running rebuilds in current historical past. 

TEXANS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Eagles (Thu.)

Although Mike McDaniel’s offense has made an impression in Tua Tagovailoa progressing from a passer whose long-range chops generated immense skepticism to the participant the Dolphins are unleashing, Hill is the on-field variable. The traditionally proficient deep risk’s 188-yard day — his fourth  160-yard outing as a Dolphin — elevated his NFL receiving lead (961 — 197 greater than anybody else). Hill’s ultimate two catches additionally saved the Lions from a go-ahead drive. Jaylen Waddle’s emergence as a downfield goal (9.8 yards per catch in 2021; 17.3 in ’22) was actually Hill-assisted as nicely. Hill and Waddle totaled greater than 200 yards on Tua passes that traveled a minimum of 10 yards by way of the air, per Next Gen Stats. 

DOLPHINS GRADE: B | NEXT: at Bears (Sun.)

Able to competely outgun the Dolphins’ Hill-Waddle machine within the first half, the Lions didn’t see the ball a lot within the second. Detroit (1-6) solely logged three second-half possessions for 67 yards. Its long-embattled protection couldn’t comprise Miami’s speedsters to proceed the sport’s early shootout tempo, representing a letdown after the unit saved the Lions in it in opposition to the Cowboys all through. Despite housing two top-three draftees (Jeff Okudah, Aidan Hutchinson), Aaron Glenn’s troops rank final in factors and yards allowed. After Dan Campbell canned his offensive coordinator ( Anthony Lynn) after one season, it seems Glenn might be a two-and-done in Detroit. Six-year contract apart, will Campbell?

LIONS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Packers (Sun.)

The pitchforks coming for Wilson haven’t introduced NFL social media in the very best gentle, with a lot of the assaults being aimed on the former NFL Man of the Year’s persona (versus strictly performance-based digs). Wilson is a good distance from quieting the noise, however he got here by way of amid the scrutiny by main two scoring drives — one a 98-yarder, the opposite a game-winning march together with a 47-yard strike to Okay.J. Hamler — to down the Jaguars. The Broncos deviated from their hapless second-half routine, and their injury-plagued QB’s aerial work and willingness to run once more keyed it. The Broncos (3-5) are nonetheless retooling for 2023, with one other vendor commerce (Bradley Chubb) doubtless within the playing cards. But they a minimum of paused their turmoil-filled season. 

BRONCOS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Titans (Nov. 13)

Jacksonville’s James Robinson commerce absolutely gave the backfield reins to Travis Etienne, and the ex-Clemson dynamo delivered in London. The Broncos couldn’t comprise Lawrence’s faculty teammate, who smoked the top-tier protection for 156 speeding yards. But the Jags couldn’t overcome the Broncos (and their borderline-offensive uniform alternative). Denver’s offense gave its protection some uncommon respiration room, however Lawrence’s two INTs — the second a K’Waun Williams decide ending a possible game-winning drive early — have been the distinction. The Jags (2-6) are nonetheless seeing too many errors from their prized QB prospect.

JAGUARS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Raiders (Sun.)

Without Rashod Bateman for a piece of this season and with out Mark Andrews for many of Thursday evening, Lamar Jackson made it work. Fourth-round rookie Isaiah Likely justified the preseason hype he generated, displaying plus athleticism and main the Ravens in receiving. With DeSean Jackson nonetheless ramping up, Devin Duvernay (Round 3, 2020) labored as Jackson’s lead wideout in Tampa. The Ravens (5-3) haven’t carried out sufficient to present Jackson a well-rounded aerial solid, however they’ve seen Duvernay make a third-year leap and recognized a possible long-term Andrews sidekick in Likely. These two serving to Jackson snap a mini-slump could also be key in the long term.

RAVENS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Saints (Mon.)

The Buccaneers are reeling in a method no Tom Brady-led group has in 20 years. While Brady is on the epicenter, main an offense that must be higher than it’s, he’s not receiving a lot assistance on the bottom. The Bucs (3-5) are barely placing forth an effort to run, rating final in makes an attempt and yards. They can’t justify Leonard Fournette’s three-year, $21 million ($9M absolutely assured) contract by working this fashion. Fournette completed Week 8 with 24 yards, after a 19-yard Week 7, and is averaging 3.4 per carry. The Bucs misplaced a number of inside linemen, however they nonetheless have Shaq Mason wholesome. Other groups are coping with worse harm points. Still, this division is dangerous sufficient Tampa Bay can recuperate.

BUCCANEERS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Rams (Sun.)